Posted by Gracie2 on October 19, 2001, at 19:13:46
In reply to Re: Self-medicatiom, posted by JohnL on October 19, 2001, at 4:12:33
John-
After some thought, I must agree with you. You do seem to understand more about radiology than the average person, who thinks that producing a good
(diagnostic) x-ray consists of sticking a "plate" under the appropriate body part and pushing a button. There's quite a bit more involved. An RT
is required to learn anatomy, physics, radiologic science, chemistry (the effect of developing chemicals on radiographs), proper positioning, radiation protection and shielding, how to operate many different brands and types of equipment (standard, portable, fluoroscopic), how to adjust machine settings (kilovolts, milliamperes and time) which vary from patient to patient, sterile techniques, treatment of badly injured patients (i.e. with possible cervical fractures), not to mention putting up with irate doctors and uncooperative drunks. All this requires extensive training at a 2-year school with preliminary EMT training, rotation at a hospital, an extremely difficult test to qualify as a registered technologist, and continuing education to keep our license current. That's why it infuriates me when untrained personnel operate x-ray equipment as if it takes no more education than, say, learning how to pot a plant. It's dangerous, and should be illegal.My comparison to radiology and pharmaceutical science was simply a nod and show of respect to the education and training required to become a qualified pharmacist, and why I understand their disapproval of self-medication.
While you - meaning you, John, personally - have taken the time to educate yourself about medication, particularly with certain drugs from overseas pharmacies- this is not the case with everyone. In fact, because you had success with amisulpride and/or adrinifil, we had some conversations about it and I tried both drugs myself. (Incidentally, you mentioned that you were not condoning my actions, could not guarantee results,that I was entirely responsible for my own actions and the outcome of trying these drugs, and I agreed. Very smart.) These two drugs did not help me (or hurt), but my expectations were not high anyway as I had already experienced disappointing results with Paxil, Prozac and Wellbutrin. I realize that it can be a crapshoot.
Anyway, I digress. I understand your point, or I think I do: in radiology, with proper training and good equipment, you can reasonably expect consistant results. Psychiatric medication is normally a case of trial-and-error, with some patients having an excellent response to a medication that produces poor results in the next patient. I agree with that. (Is that what you meant?)
Respectfully yours-
GracieP.S. I apologize to the folks who are getting tired with my dialogue. I quit taking my BP meds AMA and it's obvious to me that I'm starting to cycle again - I don't sleep enough and I talk too much. Also, I am not against a glass or two of a good Merlot, which makes it hard for me to shut up. -G
poster:Gracie2
thread:81573
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81711.html